2 killed, 4 injured as wall collapses

A WORKER checks the water level of the La Mesa Dam in Quezon City that was near spilling level due to intense monsoon rains yesterday.

Two sisters died while four persons were injured after an old wall collapsed on shanties due to strong winds and rains caused by the southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” on Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila yesterday.

Johnny Yu, head of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the portion of the seven-foot boundary wall outside the Manila City Jail compound suddenly gave in at around 9 a.m. apparently due to heavy rains and strong winds. The wall crashed into five shanties occupied by 20 people and four of them were destroyed.

Manila Mayor Joseph E. Estrada assured that the city government will take care of the medical needs of the injured and the homeless. “I have directed Mr. Yu and all concerned city hall departments to provide all the needs of the affected families,” Estrada said.

Chairwoman Erlinda Honey Perez of Barangay 310, Zone 31 said a mass evacuation has been initiated. Residents were instructed to evacuate to the barangay covered court.

Estrada also said that the city government is now looking into a relocation site for the informal settlers in the area. (Betheena Kae Unite)